So much has happened!

It has been almost 2 weeks since I last purged my thoughts here. I have been very busy!

I actually tried to run a couple of times! Didn't feel too bad either. Until after... UGH! 2 miles on the 11th and 2 more on the 14th. I gotta say, I have to wait a bit before I try that again. Not exactly happy about that, but I guess I have to deal with it. ;)

On a positive note: I have started a 12-week fitness program. It involves Cardio with a LOT of lifting! I am having a blast! Yesterday was the last day of week 2. I have done every exercise I was scheduled to do, except for yesterday. I decided to get on my bike and ride instead. I was supposed to do a Full Body lifting routing at the Y, but with the way by ankle felt after Saturday's run, I decided to take it easy.

I went almost 20 miles! WOW! That was the MOST fabulous ride EVER! I haven't been out on a bicycle in YEARS! Literally! I can't remember the last time I was on a bike.

So, in the past two weeks, I have started lifting, and revamped my whole cardio routine. That "plan" I posted a while ago...? Yeah, Gone... I am 100% ok with that. If there is one thing I am good at it is Changing to keep going forward. So what if I had a stress fracture? I was able to get out and ride my bike for 1 hours 20 minutes AND walk it a mile uphill back to my house. I can adapt to anything.

My thoughts got derailed...

OK! So I tried running. The swelling is not what I need, so I just have to wait longer for that. I am still bummed about not being able to run, but cycling is a great sport too! I think my doc was hoping that I would have better results with the running. I see that the stupid Achilles is still not happy and that I am fighting bursitis as well. This seems to be a common problem for me. It was a knee and an elbow at other times in my life. I am willing to bet it will keep happening to me as the years go by. I just need to learn to control it better and get the areas stronger around the weak links. In comes the weightlifting. I love it. Oh Boy Do I!?!

All in all, I am still recovering from a very big injury. I may still be in recovery for a month or more. I am okay with the thought. I do miss runner, but as a runner, I know I will get back to it. Meanwhile, I will keep myself occupied with all the other fun, fitness activities I can find.

OH YES! I am going to attempt Zumba again! I miss my Zumba family! I miss my Saturday morning running buddies too, but I will eventually find my way back!

~Happy Running, Cycling, Swimming, and Lifting!~

Goal Failed. New Hope!!!

Totally failed on getting even 100 miles in on the spinner. I'm okay with that. Really. I am. My foot hasn't felt this good in a LONG TIME! I am very happy about that. As you know, I need my foot to heal in order to get back to running. This is a good thing we have here!

I am still looking to start the P90X on September 1st. My 34th birthday. I am hit and miss on the core work and upper body stuff, but I am changing that now. It is time to redo my chart and get in the groove. I am going to find out what lower body work I can do that won't hurt my healing. Squats may finally be okay again. I know I have lost a lot of tone in my lower body. It will take some time to get it back, but I am going to do it.

I am not currently setting any specific fitness goal. I know that is bad. But the goal right now is just to get my foot back to 100%. I figure it will be October before I can actually run again. In the meantime, I plan to get a release to hop on my bike and get some road miles in. that poor thing has been waiting on me since April!

I've been playing phone tag with the Doc since Friday... I hope I get to talk to him today.

*UPDATE!*

Doc finally called me at quarter to 7 last night. That man must be very busy! He is ok with me being out of the boot. I assured him I have been doing the stretches for my heel. I am to keep up with the elliptical, bike and everything. He said "With a stress fracture like this, it is best to sprint before you run and run before you walk". WOW! I don't quite feel ready for that yet, but it appears I will be back to running sooner than I thought.

So for the time being, I will just keep chugging away. Tuesday and Thursday will be the days I attempt the elliptical. Monday and Wednesday on the bike. Maybe I can actually get outside soon. I should be ok, but I forgot to ask about that. I think it will be ok to try just because my foot is feeling good, and I will NOT be slamming my foot down in any case when I stop.

Fridays I will still try to at least play in the backyard pool and do my itty-bitty short laps. It is still something. I am going to admit here publicly (or to the few who read it) that I am still scared to go to the Y pool. The deep end makes me nervous. I know I should get over that, but, well... Yeah...

Saturday I am heading to Hannibal for the Cannibal. Doc said to be sure to use cardio machines this week to get myself ready for that effort. OK! He did say something about jogging. I am not going to push that though, until AFTER the Cannibal at least.

Man! The urge to run is all kinds of fired up in me again!

~Happy Running, Cycling, Swimming, and Lifting!~

Should have stayed with 100 mile goal...

 And now I am going back to that goal. Next month I will shoot for 150, then maybe 200 the following month. This is silly! I had a bad week, and then did too much in one day when I did go back to the gym, that I may have set myself back some more on the road to healing. I did get on the bike twice instead of 4 times. Got 12 miles each time. I am now at a grand total of 67.2 miles for June. I guess that is better than nothing.

I have been up on the elliptical! That is fabulous! I mean it just feel wonderful to be STANDING! My first time up was on Friday. I did 30 minutes plus 2 for cool-down and went 2.94 miles! That is a pace of 10:53 per mile. Some people run that! I feel amazing having accomplished that! I felt so good that day that I went to the bike for 30 minutes as well. (OOPS!) I felt ok afterwards. Most of the day. I even went swimming and did 50 "laps" in the backyard pool. I had a very productive and active day. It wasn't until that night that I started feeling not so great in the foot. We went to the Blues in the District for a bit, and walking there wasn't great. the sidewalks are canted and uneven. That is never a good combo for me and my boot.

I took Saturday off, sort of. This was finally the Big Day for my boys. They were both on their first race! Zachary had been training for a 5k and he went out and did it! 29:10 was his official time. 8th in his division, although he was the 2nd 14 year old to cross the finish. That made him feel MUCH better about it. I think he plans to keep running and sounds excited at the prospect of Cross Country as well as Track & Field next year in school. I just hope he keeps running to maintain an active lifestyle.

Ian also ran Saturday! I am so proud of that kid! He never before ran that long or that far. He went an entire mile in 9 minutes 41 seconds! Super time for a 5 year old with little to no prior training. (That's totally my fault!) This injury has made it hard to even WANT to get him outside. That is horrible of me, I know. I am going to be better about that, too.

There has been a LOT of soul-searching throughout this adventure with the fracture...

I have been having a lot of fun swimming also. I know it isn't much really, but I do "laps" in a 24ft backyard pool. I do at least 50 and usually try for more. I have done 100, 50 , then 60 on the days I have gone swimming. That amounts to 2400 feet, 1200 feet, then 1440 feet. I'm not sure how swimming is usually measured, but I can swim 480 feet in roughly 5 minutes. I really want to get to a standard pool and see if I can even swim one real lap. Excited to try something new. I have been sticking outdoors because the kids love it. I may take them to the Y to swim indoors, but would feel better with another adult to keep an eye on them (to go along with the lifeguards).

A friend of mine just bought a bike. I can't wait to be released to ride outside!

All in all, things are looking better again, but I don't want to jinx it...


~Happy Running, Cycling, Swimming, and Lifting!~

3 more weeks *sigh*

I was hoping to be out of the boot and moving forward by now. Well, I guess I am still moving forward, as I have been released to get out of the boot at home from time to time. I have also been given exercises to do to start getting the Achilles moving again. I also got exercises for my right foot as well, since I seem to have acquired plantar fasciitis. YAY! ?!?!?

I have to admit the right foot exercises are kinda fum. I get to pick up marbles with my toes and put them in a cup. Then I get to scrunch a towel under my foot. Yeah, I get to play! The other stuff isn't as much fun, but I will do it. I have to get better.

I have 19 days left until the Hannibal Cannibal. It was supposed to be a 10k run for me, but with the injury, I bumped it to a 5k walk. I have what SHOULD BE 18 more days in the boot. I told the doc I would walk the Cannibal in the boot if I needed to!

For the next week, I am to get out of the boot and try a shoe at HOME 3-4 times a day, still using the boot in public and for daily activities. During this time, it is still ok to get on the spinner and get my exercise done. Next week I am cleared to try using the elliptical. Boot to the machine, work out, then back in the boot. same as with the bike, just finally trying a different exercise. On the 29th, I am to call the Doc and give him a status report. I am really hoping and praying that everything works as it should. If it does, I will be able to begin tapering out of the boot the next week, just in time for the Cannibal!

I know I need to be thankful for all that I have and can still do, but I am fighting depression. I want to run again. I miss it. I want to get out on the road. I want to get on the bike I had repaired, with the helmet and computer that just arrived. I am just plain ready for the outdoors.

The things I NEED to dwell on are as follows:

1. I swam 2400 feet in my in-laws pool. That is really good cardio. I need to get in a lap pool. That will really get me in shape.
2. I am still able to ride the bikes at the Y, as long as they work. I have been having BAD luck with that. The spinner style bikes are the ones that do not hurt me, and they are habitually broke! I report it constantly. 
3. I am not gaining as much weight as I feared, and think some of THAT is related to the addition of weight-lifting. I feel stronger already, and DON'T plan to give that up any time soon.
4. My kids are interested in getting fit as well. They both like to do different parts of my workouts with me.

I am fairly derailed on my fitness goal of 200 miles in June. I have 2 weeks left and 150+ miles to go. I guess I should have kept with 100... If I go 8 more times in the next 2 weeks I will need 18.75 miles each ride to make it. We shall see... Most of my problem is the Y with the non-functioning bikes.

I am cracking down on myself again, after the pity-party I threw all weekend. I didn't do ANYTHING after I saw Dr Biggs on Friday. That did not do any good, and really just made things worse, to be honest. I am once again filled with determination. I will get myself where I want to be. I will get back on my feet. I will conquer this.

I will.

~Happy Running, Cycling, Swimming, and Lifting!~

Best Laid Plans...

Here it goes again. I make a plan, and have a goal, and EVERYTHING goes wrong! I am trying to keep my spirits up, but it gets really frustrating to make a goal, have a schedule, then get off-track in the first week! In my defense, I had trouble with the equipment at the Y. Only one machine worked properly and one day someone was on it for an hour (well past the recommended time of 30 minutes) and I only got 24 minutes, then the one that worked wouldn't respond (it is a touch screen) and I didn't get any time in. Then I finally got some time on Saturday, however, I missed my scheduled Sunday time due to a party. Ok, that was well worth it!

So my mini goal of hitting 50 miles a week is already in need of adjustment. I managed to get 18, 10, and 15 in the first week. 7 miles short. I could add the time spent on the UBE. I got 5 miles in on Saturday. That puts me just 2 miles off for the week.

This week has NOT been productive. I am way behind. I will have to get my miles in on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This is not the combo I prefer, but it will have to do. My goal will be to get 17 miles in each day. I got 18 in 45 minutes once, I can do it again. I just need machines to cooperate and the time to do it. I was supposed to go tonight (Tuesday), but I have to bake my hubby a cake, so I will do some stuff in my living room and call it good.

I Finally go back to the Doc on Friday. I am hoping for good news. I'd like to lose the boot. Wish me luck.

~Happy Running, Cycling, Swimming, and Lifting!~

June Cycling - 200 miles

I realized after getting 18 miles in on my first ride of the month, that I need to up my goal. It is now 200 miles. I plan to ride a total of 12 times this month. That's 3 times a week for 4 weeks. If I keep at the pace of the first ride, I will have 216 miles. I am sure there will be rides with fewer miles, but this goal is NOT supposed to be easy! If a goal is too easy, then you really don't accomplish much.

Along with the 18 miles on the bike I spent time on the mat doing various crunches and supermans to work my core. Before I even got to the gym, I spent time with my dumbbells and a bar. Those two sessions total 26 minutes. I do each move at max reps for 1 minute then take a 1 minute breather before the next one. I am thinking about doubling up on them soon.

I already made changes to my plan I posted last time. I will post the new one!!!

I moved around the bike days, so I have 3 a week now. I may move the UBE from Wednesday to Tuesday and give myself another rest day, or do something at home that mimics the UBE. I added "Swim" to Friday, but that's just because I plan to take my kids to my In-laws pool, and hope to get some actual swimming done. I'm going to kick the kids out for some "Adult Swim" time every once in a while.

I am trying to figure out more things to do to work my upper body and core. I am still a bit limited on legs, but I am trying to do more there too.I have a few ides, but can always use pointers.

I am 10 days away from my next doctor visit. I go back to see Dr Biggs on the 15th. I am hoping for good news! I would LOVE to hear that I can begin walking again. I got in touch with the people who organize the Hannibal Cannibal, and they allowed me to switch from the 10k run to the 5k walk. This makes me so very happy! It is 32 days away. 10 more in the boot, then hopefully I am out of it and able to get back in the groove! I know Dr Biggs mentioned getting me on the elliptical, and that will be a great step in the right direction. I told myself that I am going to walk the Cannibal, even if I have to do it in the boot!

Things seem to be working in the right direction now. (even the scale)

OH! I almost forgot!!! My 14-year-old son ran a 5k in 26:47!!! I am so very proud of him! This shows some great dedication, that I hope stays with him! His first race is the Raider Classic! My 5-year-old is wanting to do the fun run, too! I am so happy to have a couple of young runners joining me! I can't wait to be able to get out and run WITH them!

~Stay Fit and Happy!

June Goal/Challenge, and an update

First a bit of an update:

I went in for an MRI on the 21st of May. Got a call the next evening! The MRI clearly showed the stress fracture. That is all is showed! YAY! Ok, not all exactly, but it showed that there was NOT the other problems the doc was worried about. I do have a touch of bursitis in that area, but that doesn't surprise me at all. I have that problem in other areas as well. I am totally clear for cycling and swimming

Since the phone call I have been doing a lot of spinning and I love it. I also used the UBE twice. I really plan to use it more, I just haven't got into a good schedule yet. That's one Goal for June: Make a Schedule to KEEP!

OK! Got that done. Here it is!:

Other particulars:
Minimum mileage on the bike: 10 each ride; shooting for 20 miles in an hour.
UBE at least 15 minutes at a time. ISO static is wonderful! (I did 15 minutes of that at 45 RPM with 110 pounds on the 23rd. Really enjoyed it!)
Also: LEARN TO SWIM! I have swimming down on Fridays as I have that day off and can hopefully get "something" accomplished at my in-laws place.
Weights: keep at max reps and increase weights as I go.
Core: Add to the routine. I need to find something else to work my back.

I have been on the bike 4 times in the past 2 weeks. That's not really enough, and I changed my schedule to reflect that. I have spun away 50.8 miles in that time though. I think I will set a target of 100 miles for the month of June. Should be easy enough, right??? I think so!

I go back to the Doc on June 15th. I hope by then I am released to try more things. He talked about the elliptical, since it is a smooth low-impact motion. Walking is in there at the beginning too, then I can finally be let loose to run again! I may be back at it by August, if all goes well. There are things I'd like to do! ;)

I'm sure there was more I planned to say, but it eludes me at the moment. To wrap up: I am still trying to get my sweat on, in one shape or another. I am still fighting weight, but am trying to retrain myself to look at other things like fitness level and clothing feel, as opposed to straight scale numbers. I mean, I AM lifting some now, and there will be some muscle built that will affect the scale.

~Happy Running, Cycling, Swimming, and Lifting!~

Follow-up Visit with Doc...

I got in and out fairly quickly. Dr. Biggs apologized for the wait, but I didn't see that I had to wait long at all. I guess he is feeling rushed for other reasons.

Anyway...

He came in and of course, started poking and prodding. I really feel better, but not 100% and told him that I felt stiff. That is of course normal with the CAM boot. Did I post a picture of that yet? Let me do that for you.

My foot in my boot

It isn't the most stylish... It matches NOTHING! I had to go out and buy a new dress shoe to try to match the height of this one so I didn't have more problems walking. At first my hip and right knee were in pain, but with a good height-matched shoe, things have been easier. but such is life, right? I am still working through this and working on keeping my spirits up.



While Doc was manipulating my foot/ankle he was questioning me, of course, on how things were going. I told him of an odd sensation that occurs from time to time on the base of me heel towards the bottom of my foot. I remember it happening as I first put the boot on 3 weeks ago in the office.

So, now I need to go in for an MRI. That really wasn't the news I was hoping to hear. However, on the positive side of things, I can go try stationary upright cycling. !!! YES!!! I can actually attempt some cardio. I have been told not to let my ankle bend too much and to keep things as straight as possible. He said to try this other machine the Y has as well; the UBE (Upper Body Ergometer, an exercise bike for the arms). I know it worked well for my mother, who has lots of trouble with her legs. He said it is a different kind of cardio and I can work it a few different ways.

I am kind of excited to try something else new!  I really have been experiencing SO many new things through this. My injury really is more of a blessing than anything.

About the stationary: I have to wear the boot until I am ready to cycle. Then I can put a shoe on and make sure i use the toe clip and I get to ride, NOT standing, though. He doesn't want me to put that much stress on anything. Then I have to put the boot back on to walk.

He also said that it is ok to try some light resistance work. I can get to the machines again! With those he said it should be fine for me to walk to it in my boot and just take it off to work the machine, then put the boot back on to move to the next one.

I am to continue with symptomatic management of the pain with the Boot. I also understand that if I start feeling sore to document it and back off again. I have to work at staying pain free. I think the hand-bike will be a fun way to work out, and can't wait to cycle again.

I hope the MRI shows clearly what the doc needs to see, so we can get me back up and running. I really am glad that I am ok to get back to some sort of cardio. I am struggling with my weight. Calorie intake alone is an awful way to try to control weight. The body WANT to move!

Check back with me next week. I will post what the doc says after reading the MRI.

~Happy Running!

Injury Report/Update

It has been 22 days since my last run...

Strike that. It has now been 32 days. I started to write this and just couldn't.

I don't know what to say. I have not been able to run. I tried to cycle and that didn't work. I was told not to try to swim.

I have been doing a lot of sit-ups and weight work with the upper body. I have a fairly decent core. I am not totally ripped with abs, but there is strength there. That, to me, is more important. My arms are looking pretty good too. I have been doing a bunch of reps with light weights. I know it isn't much, but I am just starting. Last night I actually did some reps with a heavier weight! PROGRESS! I just can't wait to get clearance to do something substantial with my legs again.

I really have been good about this. For the first week, I used my crutches all the time. For the second week, I used at least one crutch and if I didn't use either, I at least had them with me. This third week, I haven't had them with me. I have even walked around my house barefoot. I'm not sure the doc will be happy with that, but my foot felt really stiff and it felt better after walking a bit.

Now, I'm not talking about pacing back and forth. Just walking from living room to bedroom and couple of times in a day. Nothing much. I always put the boot back on when I was planning to stand for longer periods or walk more. I am hoping for good news Friday, when I go back to see Dr. Biggs. I don't know if he will take x-rays again or not, but I'm ready to get back into action. If only just for a spin class...

Part of my problem is that I grew accustomed to eating a certain amount of food in a day and can no longer do that due to the decrease in activity. I have been putting on weight. Clothes are fitting tight. I have worked very hard to get where I am and am feeling a bit depressed that this is happening. I know that I have to control my eating. That has always been hard for me. It is one reason I blew up to 211 pounds in the first place. I worked HARD to get down to 150, and for a while I was lower than that (my lowest was 147). I am now slowly creeping higher again, and it is tearing me up! It is going to be a lifelong battle for me, I am sure.

I am trying to find a workout program that I can start once I get the OK. I really liked the structure of the BTG training and am looking for something I can chart and see what's next. I may end up throwing something together for myself, but I worry about hurting myself with something like that. I know me! What I am looking for is a good strength program to incorporate into running, cycling and swimming (once I learn to do that).

Ideally, I want to run 3-4 days, bike 2-3 days, and swim 2-3 days, with strength training mixed in 3-4 days as well. All of that with Fridays off! Saturday will be the Long Run day, most likely.

So, I'm figuring that the injury occurred on April 6; that long, lonely 11 miler that had me jump in a ditch to avoid a semi. This Friday will put me at 6 weeks. It is possible that I could be good to get back into things. I have a feeling, though, that I am going to stay booted for a few more weeks. I just have that luck. However, I am still pulling for the chance to start SOMETHING! I have to remain as positive as possible in this. That, too, has been a struggle.

I never thought I would miss exercising as much as I do. Just 2 years ago, those words would never have pooped into my head. Now... Well, a pic I found says it best : "I didn't change, I just found myself". I have this picture to keep reminding me of how far I have come, and where I have yet to go!

I will do my best to post again after I see the Doc Friday. Praying for good news!

There are a few other positives to note here. I got to meet one of my heroes:  Jackie Joyner-Kersee!!!


AND!! I got a new car!! OK, we needed one anyway, but with the boot I could no longer drive a standard. So we went and got me an automatic. It even came with a table!!!

~Happy Running!

(you better believe I will be happy to get back to running)

My Wednesday night...

wasn't great. In fact, all of Wednesday wasn't great. I was hoping the workout would perk things up for me.

I went to the Y after my hubby got home. I found an upright bike and got it adjusted for me. I am new to these, so I wasn't sure exactly what I needed to do with it. I got on and started pedaling. DING DING! We have a winner. HAHA! I wasn't sure what kind of ride I was looking for, so i programmed it to throw random hills at me. I think they are all programmed for 30 minutes at the Y as well. So there we have my workout. I had tension ranging from 5 to 14 at the highest. I tell you, I felt GREAT while I was pedaling! I felt amazing, like i could go forever! I even stood for a bit at the 13 and 14 levels, and my heel/ankle didn't feel what I did the day before. It was amazing. I rode the random tensions for a full 30 minutes and made it 8.53 miles with an average speed of 16.2 mph. This bike didn't show watts, so I have no clue what they might have been. I don't even know how to figure it. Not important though. I had a great time on the bike and burned roughly 350 calories in 30 minutes. That was great! I needed that. It really did give me a positive feeling and I was happy.

I next went to the machines. I did seated dips, 45 reps; row (of some sort, I forgot the name), 45reps; the ab machine, 45 reps; and then went to the legs. I wish I had a good memory of what the machine and movement was. I know that I did 20 reps and it didn't feel great. I should have left my legs alone. I think this was part of my downfall. Also, I again tried to take "normal" smooth flowing steps, like I used to. It HURT! I had to go back to my limp. I sat for a bit to relax and make sure I wasn't going to fall over, got my recovery water ready (nuun tablet), and trudged up the stairs. I was limping. I need to park in a different spot too, the ramp down to that parking lot really hurts for me to walk down; slopes are bad!

So, I get in my car and get my foot on the clutch. OMG! The searing burning pain! WTF did I do?!?!? WOW! It hasn't hurt like that in a LONG time. It just about brought me to tears. I let off the pedal and just sat there a minute. The burn passed after a few seconds and I tired again. There was still pain, but I was ready for it this time and was able to get the car moving. The drive home was excruciating. I fought tears and just kept moving on, as best as I could. Red lights were my enemy! By the time I got home it was the bottom of my heel through my ankle up to the lower leg that was hurting. The soft spot was swollen and I was in tears. Real tears. They were part pain and a big part frustration. I was making positive progress, and now this! I got my shoes and sock off and wrapped an ace bandage on me then applied an ice pack.

Today, shortly, I will make a call to the doctor. I will update this entry after that call.

I am terrified.

~Happy Running?

I am going back to the doctor tomorrow morning. Not waiting until next week. It feels worse and not better. I'm glad they can get me in so quick.

Power Cycle ROCKED!

My ride for the hour Tuesday evening :)

Power Cycle

That was the name of the game. Since this was only my second class I had no idea what to expect. Just what is a power test? What does she mean by watts?

Well, as it turned out, it didn't really matter. Yes, I pedaled for the time she stated, and yes I increased my watts every time. We went for 8 minutes the first test and dropped a minute each time, while trying to increase watts each time also. Here are my numbers, as well as I can recall: 57, 70, 97, 115, 137, 150, 183, 235. I have no idea what I was doing. I do know that my ankle did NOT hurt and that was the goal. I do know that next time I will start with a higher average and work up from there. I think I have fairly strong legs. I mean, I have been running over a year, and occasionally lift. It all helps. I was getting the hang of things by the end of class. Now I have a better understanding of what to do and what resistance level I should be using next time. I plan to attend this on Tuesdays regularly. I am also going to see about Sundays as well. At least until my bike is fixed. Then I can still keep Tuesdays.

Pain Assessment

Now onto the part where I talk to myself about how my ankle felt.

I was, of course, limping into the Y, and into the group cycle room. I got on the bike and felt great! There was no pulling, burning, or pain. I warmed up with everyone and got going. After the first 8 minute power ride, we were given a 2 minute recovery and were encouraged to stand and give our bottoms a break from the seats. That is where I had problems. I tried it again on the next break, and still felt the same discomfort. Like a dummy, I did it one more time, just to be sure. The two minute breaks were then just me pedaling slowly with little resistance to bring my heart rate back down.

As I left I had a worse limp for a bit, then tried to walk "normal" and hurt myself. I went back to my limping gait, and felt fine the rest of the night. I really did! It was amazing! I didn't need to ice anything!

I felt that I was making improvements and was headed in a positive direction!

~Happy Running!

*now wait for the summary of yesterday's events...

Swimming and Cycling

Swimming

I am hoping it isn't too late to get signed up for swimming lessons. The classes start this Saturday. I feel this is an important step for me. I am not really afraid of water, but am not entirely comfortable in anything above my chest. This will help with that, and I will have a new skill and exercise opportunity available. I really am looking forward to it.

Cycling

So far, the one time I tried wasn't terrible. The equipment was old and wobbly, but the pedals ran smooth. I was able to spend 19minutes 12seconds on it and I went 5 miles in that time. My foot started to ache, and I promised I would keep the pain level down, so I gave myself the 5 mile goal and just left it at that. I did work up a sweat and that felt good. 

I was hoping to get back to one today, but after going out last night, it doesn't feel great. I wore high heels last night ans was able to walk "normally" for the first time in a week and a half! I was shocked! I still limp around a bit when wearing normal shoes, but will test it again tomorrow by wearing the heels to work. I will have a spare pair of shoes with me in case it doesn't work well this time. It is definitely a question for the doctor. The height allows my Achilles to shorten, but i don't know if that is a good thing or not. I want to be able to walk normally barefoot! 

~Happy Running to those who still can!~

I'm still participating

I'm going to cheer on my training group today. I can't run, but I can still have fun! Going to check on swim lessons too! And get a bike!

Injury Update

I finally got in to see Dr. Biggs. He is a sports doc at the Medical Group. Great guy.

I just didn't like what he had to say, LOL! 2 weeks of NO RUNNING!

Let me describe the visit a little.

I brought my shoes with me, but did not have them on. I have this pair of sandals that feel most comfortable and have been wearing them as much as possible. I get in and tell the nurse my story and give a fairly good recap of my runs. (I found out reading the summary after I left that she got info wrong) I am glad I thought to bring my training log with me. I was able to show Dr Biggs what i was running the month before BTG Training started. It fairly well summed up my running in the months prior to that as well. Visual aids are FABULOUS tools! There was some confusion about the last time I ran, but was able to show him my charts to see what I did. I described my lone 11 miler and my Easter run. Uneven surfaces, fatigue, and all. He agreed that the surfaces were probably partly to blame. However, he is still not sure if it is just soft tissue damage or a stress fracture to my calcaneal bone. {In humans, the calcaneus (from the Latin calcaneum, meaning heel) or heel bone is a bone of the tarsus of the foot which constitute the heel} He said this is not a common injury. Go figure. Another area of my body injured in a way that is "special". I'm good at that. 


I am paying for the decision not to participate in Holy Thursday Service of the washing of the feet. I DO NOT like my feet being touched AT ALL! I have had my feet handled more than I care to think about with this recent injury. Not that I think God is mean and caused me to be hurt, I think it is his way of reminding me to say YES. LOL

Anyway, Dr Biggs had to manipulate my lower legs and feet. He did a lot of pushing, squeezing, twisting, and turning. He pushed and prodded and made me cry. He had to. How else can they determine where the pain is originating? He thought that maybe he was just pressing too hard and maybe hurting me that way. He started doing the same things to my right leg/foot. It didn't hurt at all on that side, so he figured that he knew where the problem was. After walking on my toes, then on my heels for him, he sent me to get x-rayed. We discussed what they could mean. The official assessment is this: ?soft tissue vs early calcaneal fracture. Meaning we are still not sure. The next 2 weeks will help in determining what it is.

Here's the plan we discussed:

• Take 2 weeks rest from any running
• Trial of rowing and cycling for cross training keeping pain under a 3 on scale of 1-10
• Call office in 1 week with status report on symptoms with walking and cross training
• May have to unload and modify activities further for continued discomfort
• Cold to area for 10-15 minutes for mild post-activity soreness ok
• Come back in 2 weeks for re-eval and further diagnostics if needed.

I figure this is a great learning experience for me. I kept telling myself that I needed to get into cycling and learn to swim. Now I have 2 weeks to get on a bike and see what I can do.

**

I went to the gym at work on my lunch break. I was able to go for almost 20 minutes and got 5 miles in before I noticed the start of some discomfort. I got back to my desk and got the shoe off and back into my sandals and immediately started to feel relief. I was also able to take a few steps normally prior to the exercise without discomfort. Afterwards, however, I am feeling mild discomfort. I am glad I listened to my body and quit when I did.

I am scheduled to go to a RAD class in a few minutes. I'm not sure how well that will work, but will update here later.

~Happy Running!

I did run 12 miles...

Although, I can't say for sure I survived.

The weather threatened to stop the run entirely. Thankfully we got lucky and were able to get out in between storms. :) The later part of the day was beautiful, too.

I have always loved running in the rain. Lightning is the only thing that will stop me from running outside. Watching the radar led me to believe we may have a chance. I didn't find out until we were on the run that Carrie had actually cancelled it. There was quite a group of us, despite the weather. Carrie also adjusted the route for safety. Instead of a 6 mile out and back we ran 3 miles out and back twice. This let us be closer to cars if the storms did pick up and we would need to get off the road.

that coat wouldn't last long!!!

I had no pain when we started. I only had mild discomfort after 6 when we stopped for a bit of a refresher. I had no pain as we got going again and finished the 12. It wasn't until I was home and resting that it started hurting...

About the run though!

Starting again after a break @ 6 miles

As I said, the weather made it look iffy to even run. I started my day by actually eating breakfast. I had oatmeal with syrup and a splash of milk. YUMMY!!! Of course, I had some coffee too. I am a firm believer that coffee helps me run. Things were looking really good for me. I had no pain, I was on top of nutrition, I was dressed and ready to GO! I pulled into the park and was so very happy to see Greg! He is just a wonderful man. Susan showed up too. I KNEW this was going to be a great day to run.

The first 3 miles were great, although it was just about a mile and half down the road that I had to take my jacket off. Bad decision to try to wear it! It was warm enough, and it wasn't raining. The second 3 miles were pretty good too. Although, somewhere in this stretch, the back of my left knee started acting funny. I can not really describe what it did. It just felt like something was moving behind my knee that shouldn't be moving. It didn't hurt, and I still have no pain in that knee. At this point I'm not going to worry about it. I did however, feel my heel a little during this stretch. When we got back to the park, Susan too a break, and Greg and I GU'd up waiting for her. I gave her a GU, too, when she rejoined us. I think it was perfect timing for it. Breakfast was at 7am, GU was close to 9, after almost an hour of running. That brings us to the picture above. Look at is all smiling and feeling great. That includes me and my ankle. I really do feel good at this point. No worries in the world.

Greg and Susan are chatting it up fairly well down the road. I am just taking it all in. The scenery, the company, the smells, it is all just too beautiful for words. I think it was about mile 8 that they got concerned that I was so quiet. I tried to reassure them that I was ok, just enjoying. I generally don't have much to talk about while running, as talking while running is not a skill I have mastered. Most of my runs are solo, and who is there to talk to then? LOL

No, I don't know why my shorts look funny

As we near the turn around we picked up another runner. I wish I could remember his name. We made quite the group and it was just that much more wonderful to share in this time. They all poked fun at me because I took a wide turn. It's a quirk of mine to hit midpoints of the road when I turn around. I don't know why, I just do! I am still feeling good at this point, too. 9 miles is good. 10 is coming pretty easy. THEN Greg decided it is time to pick up the pace and get it done. He and the other guy do this just fine. I'm sure Susan could have, too. My suspicion is that she stayed with me just to be sure I was ok. I am forever grateful for that. I did try to pick it up some, but fell back. I tried again, but again had to rest a bit. I think it was about 11 that I almost thought I could not finish. Then it started to sprinkle. God in all his glory cooled me off a bit and helped me to see that I could, indeed, finish this run. I persevered. I even found a little boost for the last quarter mile.

I was elated that I was able to finish 12 miles, all under my own power, RUNNING all the way.

I did some standing stretches when we finished. I know I forgot to do some of the ones I should have done. Doug (the awesome photographer) had some chocolate milk. I went for some, to go with what little water I brought with me. He is just awesome! At this point I STILL DID NOT HURT! I felt so wonderful, I was hoping it meant I was good to go from here on out. Then I got home. I figured that, to be safe, I should wrap my ankle and ice it. That worked in so far as it did not swell. I started to hurt. I took a nap, and hurt worse. My body was angry with me. I felt like I got hit by a truck or something. That nap was probably the worst decision I could have made.

I may have slept wrong also, as when I got up my right leg hurt. The back of my right knee specifically. 

I hobbled at church, and hobbled at the theater. I hobbled, and hobbled and am still hobbling. I have an appointment Thursday to see just what damage I did to my ankle. I am still hoping to be able to run the Half on May 12th. I may end up being super slow, but that is ok. I just want to do it. If, however, the doc says no, I will make myself ok with that. Maybe I can still run/walk it. Maybe I will have to switch to a 10k. Who knows...

I am praying for the best.

~Happy Running

102.9 miles

Yeah, 102.9 miles on the Brooks PureFlow.

I'm thinking it's NOT the shoes that are making me hurt. It's the lack of sustained training that is doing it. If I hadn't been sick and missed a week, I don't think I would be having this problem with my Achilles. I am not exactly happy right now. It didn't hurt Yesterday until a couple hours after I ran. I even went home to wrap and ice it right away. I thought that would help. It seems that if I stay off of it, it hurts MORE! Does that make any sense? I sat at the movies with my mom last night and when we left I had trouble walking. Again this morning I had trouble getting started. I hope I am able to run tomorrow. We are supposed to go 12. I want to go 12. I want to be able to finish this damn half marathon I am signed up for.

The run was great yesterday though. I took a day off to do things I know my dad would be proud of. April 12 is the anniversary of the end of his life. I miss him so much. It may seem odd to some that I went shopping that morning after having coffee and a light breakfast. Dad always ate breakfast, usually drank coffee, and always liked to find a good bargain. I tried my best! There were no good deals to be found for me. I did find a watch at walmart that claimed to be able to tell me distance traveled and speed without GPS. Yeah, well I took it back to the store. It said I went 2.6 miles when I mapped a 5 mile run. I also found that no store in Quincy (unless I missed something) actually sells GPS watches aka Garmins IN store. They all have to be ordered online. Now, I'm not opposed to that, I just want to get my hands on one.

Oops, got off track.

So anyway, I had a really great run. There was no pain. I am not sure why it still hurts now. the run was great... I started out at my house. I had an idea in mind for where I wanted to run. My phone GPS wasn't working for me either, so instead of taking the Cedar Creek trail, as I had planned (because it is oh so pretty and Dad would have loved it) I stuck to the roads that I could map later. Dad really would appreciate that too. He was big on keeping records of things. I'm sure that's where I get the tendency to do so as well. :) It was weird though because at a couple of points, I had to stop and walk due to a stitch in my side. As I decided to skip the trail (which is a paved bike path), I thought about possible alternate routes. There was 12th street I could try to climb, but that big hill was not what I was aiming for, or I could go the "back way" in to the cemetery off the highway. I think it is actually the main entrance, I just never go in that way. You see, My destination was my father's grave. I have gone to visit from time to time, and this was an important day for me to go there. I had some things to get off my chest. It all came out in tears. He is in my heart, he is always with me. I will forever miss him. Then as I was crying, it was like someone told me that it is NOT what dad would want. He would want me to go on. So I went. I ran, and ran, and ran some more. I followed some internal guidance and got myself home. I didn't cry any more that day.

{I must say that writing this one is hard, but really easy at the same time. I am not crying any more at the thought of losing my father, but rather, smiling with all the memories}

When I got home, I got my foot wrapped and iced. I got cleaned up and took the watch back. I got my kid picked up, fed them both and sat around the house. I think the sitting and not being on my foot actually contributed to it hurting. By the time I sat through the movie, it was hard to walk. This morning was no fun either. I'm worried about tomorrow. I will take it slow and easy (that's the plan anyway). I'm going with the BTG group because of the sheer number of people that will be on hand in case of something catastrophic. I will have stuff in my car to help me as well.

Pray with me

~Happy Running

Another week done pt 3: Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday & Wednesday

This is the day that found me going to the Sports Injury Clinic at the Medical Group. YAY! <sarcasm> I swear I am more prone to tendinitis that a normal person.

I was given the orders to RICE it. Yup, that's the cure every time. Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. I went by Walgreen's after the visit and picked up an ace bandage and a new ice pack. I spent the day at work with my ankle wrapped, hobbling to and from the freezer to ice it regularly. What a core that turned out to be. It was swollen and sore, and I had to keep walking around!! I guess that's what happens to me. I missed my Tuesday run.

Wednesday finds me doing more of the same. However, things are looking up, WAY UP! The swelling is gone and I am now able to walk without pain.

I am going to go for a slow run tomorrow. I have a destination in mind, and it is a trip I have to make. More on that at a later date if I am able to bring it to words.

~Happy (and safe) Running!

Another week done pt 2: Saturday and Sunday

Saturday

OMG! I got to FLEET FEET!!! I was like a kid in a candy store!!! Total sensory overload here! WOW!

I went ahead and let the gal that greeted us do a fitting. I figured since I came all that way, I better get it done! All I am going to say about that part of it, is that the computers don't always know what's what. I really do not like the big bulky shoe and think they hinder my running. Laura tried to get me into a stability shoe, said it looked like I needed it. I ended up happy with the Brooks Pure Flow I have now (as she was recommending the cadence) and impressed her with how well my form was in the New Balance Minimus. HA! I love those things! I can't wait to start my training in them! I got a few other things that I have been searching for. The only thing I am upset about is the sleeves I got were too big. I am hoping to make a return trip there soon and get that fixed. I am tall, but my arms are apparently skinny. I am not a "large" anything! LOL

Ok, and here I point out that my ankle was sore. I mentioned it to the shoe fitter. Nothing was said further or done about it. My ankle continued to bother me every now and again that day.

I had a great day with Trista. I wish our schedules meshed better and we could run together more often. 

I ended up staying up close to 24 hours. See what happens when I miss my Saturday morning run?? I got to bed a little after 5 am and got back up at 8 on Easter morning.

Sunday

Sunny Easter Sunday! I put on my capris and a tank for this one. I figured it would be a good day to try my new sleeves. yup, too big. They really bugged me. I had to take them off about halfway thru the run, but that was also because I felt warm. Man, this was a great run. I got started pretty much when I knew I should to make it on time. I had 5 miles planned and was figuring it would take about 45 minutes to do it. I got done in 42!!! What an awesome time! I haven't run that far that fast for a LONG time! I really felt that I was BACK! Until later in the day when my ankle started acting up again. Here's a quick route summary: I started on Locust at 4th street. I went down Locust to 12th and turned here to Seminary. I took that up to 18th and ran on 18th until I hit Vermont. (I think that's right. One block past Broadway) Then I took out to 24th street. Here's where I think I ran into trouble. As I go down 24th I get close to State Street. I ran on a super crooked sidewalk. It was slanted towards the road. It didn't feel good to be there at all. I should have trusted my gut and got off of there and went to the road. The reason I didn't is that the intersection is busy and I didn't like the feel of traffic at that point. Well, I got past there and went down to Jefferson and came back to 18th. I took that down to Payson where the in-laws live. That was another spot that got me. I was going down 18th and was ready to cross over to be on the "wrong" side of the road, which would be closer to the finish point. I turned to check traffic and set my foot down just wrong. I jumped off that foot quickly, turning to run right again, and just jogged the block until the cars passed. OUCH! Man, I hate my tendons! I seem to be weak in the tendons all over my body. The run was great though, really. I didn't feel any pain until I got home and settled down.

Monday

I got out of bed Monday and had trouble walking! This is not a good development. Also, Ian is sick and needs to go to the Walk-in Clinic. Oh what a day! I took Ian in, and we sat for 2 hours before even being seen. Poor kid. He had the beginning of an ear infection to go along with upset lungs from allergies. He had been so good for so long, I got him a fast food lunch he loves, and headed home to eat. Now, My ankle is still killing me. But when I am up and moving longer it stops hurting. I take the kids to the park. We walk there. It is just about a half mile just to get to the park. Zachary had been wanting to run, and I know I'm not really up to much myself today, but I put on my Minimus anyway, just in case. I played the part of coach and told Z I wanted him to run 2 laps, walk one and then run one more. This ends up being just over a mile. I ran the last of his laps with him, just to figure out how far he went. It is .28 miles and I did it in 2min18sec! The only other running I did that day was to chase after a child that was getting too far away from us. Again, I say, I didn't hurt while I was running. I hurt AFTER. By the time I got home I could actually see that my ankle was swollen. I wrapped it with pre-wrap, all I had handy.

(more in the next post)

~Happy Running

Another week done pt 1: Friday

I will break it down day by day (but a separate blog for each day)

Friday

I had the day off Friday. I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to get my 11 mile run done. It started out as my running days do. Rather hectic. I was getting myself up and ready, and also getting my youngest ready to go to daycare so I can get out. Dropping him off was the easy part. Then I had to detour back to my house to take care of a "problem" before I could get started. It was about 15 minutes after my planned start time when I finally set out.

I have to backtrack just a bit here. You see, the day before I had been online posting on facebook how I was fighting the urge to go to Best Buy and grab, or at least look at, a GARMIN. I really want one! As it turned out, I had recently "friend-ed" a MOST AMAZING woman! She saw my post and told me not to buy yet unless I have tried one. She brought me hers!!! I had never met her in person before! She trusted me! You better believe I took VERY good care of that thing. I got it back to her ASAP after I was done too!

Ok, back to the run! As I said, I got a little bit of a later start than planned. Still, I figured I would be done by 10. I got the Garmin on and it picked up satellites FAST! Much better than the phone apps. I started out from the same spot as the 10-miler; Washington Perk. I basically followed that same route, too. I went down Maine to 8th, and headed down 8th to RJ Peters Drive. This was a fun stretch. It is already gone from my memory if I ran on the correct side of the road, or if I stuck with the sidewalk on the side with traffic flowing the same as me. I know I got some crazy looks from people. I guess they are just not all used to seeing someone running. :) I do remember being on the side facing traffic as I was running past my church and my son's school. I got to RJ Peters and went across the street to keep on the sidewalk. Last time I ran this we stayed in the road, but since it was later in the day this time and I was solo, I figured that the sidewalk would be just fine. Cars tend to speed through there during the day. When I got up to the entrance to South Park, I turned in. This is different than the 10-miler, and was the point where I was adding on to make a mile. I went through the top loop. I love that park! I left it as I got to 12th street and went back up to Harrison. Here I stayed until I got to 48th. Man, once I hit 36th, I had to stop because of traffic. I took the opportunity to get a GU opened and started. I walked across that street and up a little ways to get the GU gone. I took a sip and got back after it. At this point I was still feeling on top of things. I had everything in pretty good order. Then after I got down 48th just about to Maine, I felt AWFUL! I had to strip off the windbreaker I had on. In order to do that, I had to walk a few paces again. I got it off though, and got back after it!

I'd love to say the trip back up Maine was blissfully easy, but it wasn't. I had to GU again at 30th street. I hadn't expected to need it again so soon. I also had some stomach issues. I should have kept better track of the flavors I used and the timing of them. I had to stop again at 36th street. I don't like that street, it is too busy! Anyway, somewhere along there I think I stepped wrong on my right foot too. I'm still trying to figure that out. Of course, it could have been the time spent on the brick/cobble sidewalk. I never have like that style. I had to prance about a bit to keep myself on bricks that were sitting the right direction. NOT COOL! I make it through mile 10 and am not sure if I can keep going. I am determined though, and keep pushing onward. I keep waiting to hear that final beep, the beep that has kept me going this far, the beep of the next mile on the Garmin. I make it back to 5th street... and there is NO BEEP! I keep going, it has to beep soon! It has to! It DOES!!! It finally beeps as I am just about to 4th street. I guess I miscalculated somewhere. Glad I had that Garmin to tell me just what I did! I finished 11 miles in 1:43:05. WOW! 2 full minutes before I figured I would. I am happy with the 9:22 per mile average. It is a bit slower than the 10 mile run, but hey, I had to stop a few time for traffic, and I RAN 11 MILES! SOLO!!!

I think that was the part that got me the most. I ran that whole time, with just me and my thoughts. AND the eery noises coming from the power lines along 48th street. I need to get out there again and try to record it. It just sounds both scary and wrong! I had so many thoughts run through my head, I should have recorded some of them at that time, or at least written something down when I got done. What actually happened was this: I took a walk to see my husband at his work, just to let him know I survived, took the Garmin back to Letty via her husband at work, then went to get my grub on cooked by the best chef I know, my Mom.

I don't accurately recall any pain this day. Saturday there was a minor ache...

~Happy Running! (Saturday is the next blog)

I think I have trouble with plans

I say that because I went out for a run today when I was scheduled off. I am going to skip tomorrow. Then I am going to run Friday, which is something I never do. Saturday will then be skipped.

Hopefully Sunday will find me sticking to the revised plans.

But hey, when you get asked to go to STL and visit Fleet Feet, you are going to adjust your schedule to accommodate said trip.

~Happy Running!

What a week! I have to adjust.

Well, I ran on Monday the 26th of March, then didn't get back out until Saturday the 31st. I somehow ended up with walking pneumonia. Fun stuff there! I missed most of the week at work also. Finally broke down Thursday and went to get started on antibiotics. By the time Saturday rolled around i just had to get some miles under me to help me feel better.

My husband was concerned with me running out in the fresh air. I conceded and went to the Y. It wasn't bad on the treadmill this time. I had my Mortal Kombat soundtrack to keep me company, and basketball on the TV. I set myself up for an 8:45~ish pace and enjoyed. It really did feel good. I felt like I could have gone another mile, but played it safe and quit at 3. I was just happy to be on my feet again. The training group went 11 that day. I still haven't, but I will get there.

Sunday found me feeling super great and quite refreshed. I went ahead and ran outside. It was hot, but just too beautiful to pass up. I got my 4 miles in and felt great doing it. The fun part was that my oldest son started out with me. I am so proud that he was able to go 1.37 before he decided he had enough. He wants to run! YAY! So, after I got back and we got cleaned up, I took him out to get a pair of running shoes. I stressed to him these should only be for running. You know how rough boys can be on things!!!

I was going to completely rest yesterday (Monday), but Zachary wanted to try out his new shoes. I mapped out a quick 1.5 route we could do. Zachary really tried hard, but has trouble listening when I coach about pacing. He'll get there. He went another 1.34 in about the same time as the day before. He's got heart. So, for me, it wasn't much of a run, and I am A-OK with that. It didn't stress my body much, although it was HOT!

This morning I got up for a 5am run. Oh, how I love this time of day. The birds were just starting to chirp and wake up. There are hardly any cars out. It is just peaceful. I started out not sure if I would go 3 or 4 miles. As I went up Locust I looked at my watch 2 blocks short of a mile and my time looked good, as near as I could figure, so I decided maybe I can go for 4! THEN after a mile and it said 8:33. WOW! Not bad, right? I kept right on going to the turnaround that leads me back down Locust and headed off into the Vet's home grounds. Well, something hit me somewhere in this time that gave me a cough. It wasn't a pleasant feeling at all, and That is when I "bailed." Instead of hitting 5th and turning around, I turned and ran up that big hill and got myself home. I was out for 23:29 and mapped 2.93 miles.

I was mad at first that I bailed on 4, but really am happy with 3, as I am listening to what my body is telling me. I will be a better runner if I am not pushing myself past where I should. I am still recovering. It may take a while yet. Tomorrow is a rest day, and I will try again Thursday.

I made a complete overhaul to my training schedule. I will run 30 miles less than the plan had called for, but my miles will be better. I will not have a run where I am just "too tired" or "well, it's on the schedule". Every run promises to be a run for fun. Lots of rest and some cross training will be added. This is a learning experience and I am still over the moon with excitement at the promise of running 13.1!

~Happy Running!

3 days running

19 miles in those 3 days! WOW!

Saturday was probably one of the best runs I have ever been on in my life!!!

I got up at 5 am. Seems to be my favorite time of day anymore. I almost didn't need the alarm to get me out of bed. I checked the temps and got my outfit picked. I added my windbreaker, just because it is SUPER BRIGHT yellow. I took it off before we started because I knew I'd only have to shed it later. I was worried at first that I would not know anyone but Trista when I got there. I knew her and a couple of the guys. A couple ladies introduced themselves also. It was a great morning.

We all gathered for a pic before we started. That is something Doug likes to do. He then went over the various routes people would be running. Ours was easy! We met up at Washington Park and headed down to 8th along Maine. We went down 8th to RJ Peters and took Harrison all the way out to 48th. We stayed on 48th to Maine, with a water stop at State. While on this stretch I heard the strangest noise. It is really hard to describe. Very eery. It was close to 7 by then I think, and and I could see, but I could not figure out where the noise was coming from for a long time! Then I finally looked up. I'm guessing it was how the wind was pushing through and past the wires that made that unique noise. I really wish I would have thought to record it. I was freaked for a bit, especially with that road being so skinny and the cars traveling past us at 45+ mph. Anyway... We got to Maine and headed back "home" to finish the 10.

I had to keep telling Trista to slow down, or she wasn't going to be with me. I had a set pace in mind of 9min/mile. I was determined to run it. With me reigning in Trista we did exactly that! 1:31:01 for a 9:01 pace. I have never felt so proud of myself. I set a goal and HIT IT ON THE HEAD!!! I mean WOW!

Since I missed my normal group run, I decided to at least go visit them before they started and I had to head home. So glad I did!

Sunday couldn't have been better either!

Which is odd, considering I woke up feeling like crud.We had gone out the night before to see a live band. They play great 80's music. I only had 2 drinks as I don't drink much anymore. However, before the night even started I felt my throat get sore. We got home before midnight and I got up at 8:30 Sunday. That is the latest I have slept in for quite some time. It really felt odd. My mom had stayed over after watching the kids for us and had coffee and shortbread girl scout cookies ready. She is awesome! I really felt miserable though.

OK, back to Sunday... I had a cup of coffee and half a sleeve of GS cookies. I was playing on FB and Twitter when I saw a pic posted by "Coach Nicole" of SparkPeople.com. All it said was RUN. It was a scenic shot. That was all I needed. I got up, got dressed, and got outside. My plan was to go 4 miles and get home. Things ended up different. I started "RunKeeper" on my phone. I had programmed a 4 mile easy run with coaching. I guess I forgot that I added a 5 min warm up and cool down. I went a half mile in each of those chunks. It made my run a total of 5 miles. However, my pace was just right for the day. Slow and easy. Slower, in fact, than my long run. Which is how I think it was supposed to be. I was happy with it anyway.

This morning... Monday... 5am again!

Now I am sure people think that I am crazy! I got up at 5 again today to run. I figured if I got up and got it done I would be able to save my vaca time for when I really need to take time off. So far, it has been a good idea. Except that right now I feel like I should go home on sick time. The YUCK of the past few days had not gone away. I struggled to start this morning, but could not NOT run. I was up and it was great outside. Not perfect because it was very humid, but still great. I got all of my safety equipment on headed to the door. This time I just used "RunKeeper" to log my run instead of having it coach me. I went my planned route. Oh, here's where it gets funny... I went to the website and looked at my run. I could see that by the map and my memory, I ran faster when I was somewhat scared of where I was. There were a couple places the app tracked me at a sub-7 min mile. That pace didn't last long for sure, but it was there! One of those times was along Bredeweg. There are no lights along that street. The Vet's home has light, and the intersection of 5th and Bredeweg has a light. No lights in between. I went out there and back super fast! I slowed again when I felt better in the light of the Vet's home an had to catch my breath.

Goodness! I never knew I could run that fast!

Now, more than ever I want to run just one mile and have someone else time me, so I don't have to worry about that part of it, and see just how fast I an lay one down. :)

~Happy Running!!

I forgot to mention...

How much I missed and LOVE my Foam Roller! If you have never tried using one, please do so now! I mean now! My blog will be here when you get back! :)

I went out again today for a 5am run. It was great! I went up to 24th and back on Locust, sticking to the better lit areas. This was a slightly longer route than yesterday. I got started and was just a touch chilly. That's what I get for running in shorts and a sports bra with just a reflective vest on top right? Wee, I must say it was just about perfect! The vest is obnoxious, but safe, so I wore it. I even remembered my head lamp today. I really did get hot, and started sweating. I have to find a better hat or sweatband... The sweat was dripping into my eyes. THEN... it started to sprinkle a bit, for the last 1.2 miles. It was like running through a mist. It sure helped cool me down and man, did I need that!

I am back to simply loving a run! More on the foam roller: I love that thing! I got back to the house yesterday and today and the first thing I did after getting a drink was to get out the roller and use it on all of my leg muscles that have been giving me issues, and some that weren't. Basically my whole leg got rolled. MAN, I need to keep one with me at all times to get a good roll wherever I happen to be when I am done running. I stretched after and feel great! Well, all except for my right knee and ankle.

I hit a raised section of road and my leg did not move correctly. It didn't hurt at the time, but I knew it felt wrong. As the day had progressed, my leg had been acting up. I used my TENS unit on it, and have iced it. I will rest, elevate and ice it more once I am home for the night.Tomorrow will be more rest, as Friday's always are.

Saturday will be another tough day for me. I will be running with Trista again (YAY!), and we always seem to go full throttle. I am going to attempt to get my tracks going to get me at the desired pace. That's the plan at this point. I may have it in just one ear, so I can still hear and talk with her and whoever else is in the group. I don't want to go under a 9min mile, so wish me luck!

~Happy Running!

5am runs are amazing!!

I woke up this morning and headed out on what I used to call my Recover Run to be used on Sundays. Since I have bumped up my Sunday mileage, this is now just a fun 5k!

Ok, first off .. the amazing thing is that I got up at 5 am!

At this point in the year, it is still dark out at that time. I had my phone and my RoadID on me. I only forgot my headlamp, and I won't make that mistake again. It was a wonderful run!

I headed out from my house as usual, then went up to 12th and headed up to the Vet's home main entrance. I wen thru the grounds and loved the peace and quiet. I did kind of get freaked out once I got to the other end of campus and headed out on Bredeweg Road. It isn't lit. At.All. Freaky! I think that helped my time though! I hurried to get back to the campus where there are street lights! I am not sure though, if I slowed down after that. It didn't matter though, everything felt perfect. My breathing matched my footfalls. It was so quiet, the birds were still sleeping. I retraced my earlier footsteps and returned to a sleeping household.

I made it back in 25:42. That is the best time I have ever had, to date for a 5k. Really proud of myself for that, especially with backing off for the long runs and trying to actually run easy when I am supposed to. Progress is felt, more than shown.

OH! Here's a quote I found in my email today. It fit perfectly!

~A perfect run has nothing to do with distance. It's when your stride feels comfortable. You're on your toes trying to push it. Suddenly you realize you can open it up a bit more. You know you're at one with yourself and the environment. You're a little more alive than before you started.

Sean Astin, actor

I made the decision to run again tomorrow morning. I think this time I am just going to run up Locust to 24th and back. Keep a straight line and in the light. Safety first, you know.

~Happy Running!

Adjusted Schedule!

I'm going to give this new schedule a couple of weeks and see how it goes. So far, I like it :), but it is only Tuesday. I am going to run Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, take off Tuesday, then run Wednesday and Thursday, then take Friday off and start over again. This may be ok. I hope it is. I am already ok with the thought that I may need to tweak it further, and possibly drop a day. There is a lot of thought and planning that goes into training. I am learning as I go, and have the best support system available to me.

I had a great run to music on Sunday. I originally planned to run to music again on Monday. I could not get a good path mapped from JWCC. I decided to plan one starting and finishing closer to me next destination; the Kroc Center. I still toyed with the notion of running to music. My route took me through the downtown areas of Quincy. I know we are not a busy metropolis as some runners contend with, however, I declined the music. I was running close to noon, the time when all of Quincy goes to lunch! Well, a lot of it anyway. I was in an area that had a lot of traffic. Boy, I should have listened to music!

I got started and in the first 5 minutes I had a great pace going of 9:26 per mile. I noticed at the second reminder that my speed had picked up a bit. After 20 minutes I was at an 8:59, still not bad! Ok, so the next time I hear it talk to me I was up to an 8:04 per. DANGNABBIT! I couldn't get myself to slow down! I'm not sure how long that pace kept up. I did have to stop for traffic no less than 6 times on this run and STILL finished at and 8:45 average! I am not going to beat myself up about it any longer.

I may be fine running like that on easy days. I mean, my whole run wasn't at top speed. I even had to stop a few times. I know I started slow and am pretty sure I ended slow, due mostly to the HILL I wound up on. (I do love a good hill though)

Today I would normally run, but am ever so thankful to be on a rest day. After my run yesterday, I went to the gym for a Body Flow class. Today I feel it. I'm not so flow-y right now. More like a bit spastic! :) I do love trying new things and would love to get that class worked into my schedule. Or if that doesn't work, i may use the Yoga DVD from the P90x collection. I think it will help my running to have a stronger core. I think I did pretty good at getting the moves right even though it was my first time at it. It's good to have friends that instruct these kinds of things!

I can't wait for tomorrow though! I get to go out for SPEED! I plan to jog slowly off campus, then let the jets kick in down Harrison, then slow down for the turn-around and kick it again! The final bit back on campus will be my cool down. I just have to remind myself not to kick it in once I get to the hill at the end :) Who know, I may extend that run a bit too, since I need to add a better warm up and cool down to it.

~Happy Running!

Absolutely Fabulous!

That's just how i feel!

The added rest day combined with a couple of slow runs has put a smile back on my face!

Yesterday we went for 9 as a group. I decided that I needed to run slower than usual. My friend Barb always comes in behind me, so I picked her to run with. What a great decision! I did kinda mess up and leave her in the first half, but I waited for her at the aid station and finished with her. We ran for 1:33:05 for a pace of 10:15 or something like that. It was a beautiful day to be out. It was a great day of great conversation. I actually had problems running that slow. I had to think about it every step. It was worth it though. That really was a day of training for me. I learned so much about running!

Today was awesome too! I did run a faster pace than yesterday, but still slower than my normal. I went 4 miles in 37:24 which gives a 9:21 per mile pace. Very nice for an easy run. I think this is what I am going to shoot for next Saturday also. I was directed to jog.fm and LOVE that website! I can find songs that I like and are the right bpm for my pace! I have been looking for something like that forever! It was the key to running the right pace today. One great part of that site is that you can copy the created playlist to Spotify. I just recently got introduced to that one as well. I really dig that they work so well together. My gear is improving and all I had to do was download a program to my phone! I have a few that work well, and this one is just the icing!

I cannot stress how beautiful today was! The weather was AWESOME! I looked at the forecast and saw what the temps were for this afternoon and knew that it would be too hot to enjoy it as much. Can you believe it is the middle of March and I had to run early in the day to avoid the heat? This is amazing weather! I am sure that tomorrow will be a HOT run, but I am prepared (almost) to run in just a sports bra and running skirt. I will have to see how I feel tomorrow. I am fighting with "feeling fat" and have to deal with that mental issue at some point.

So, my plan at this point is to go ahead and run tomorrow and take Tuesday off. I am going to run back to back Wednesday and Thursday, if I feel up to it. Then rest again on Friday for my next long run on Saturday.

~Happy Running!!

Unscheduled Rest Day

I am taking today off. I am continuing to rest.

I have been doing a lot of thinking these past few days. I am pretty sure I messed myself up by NOT resting on Monday like I should have. I mean, really. I went 8 miles on Saturday. That was my long run and I averaged an 8:25 pace. Then I raced Sunday. Averaged 8:02 for that. What did I do Monday??? Yup. I went back out for a run and averaged too close to my top speed.

I have been running all of these runs at the same speed. This is really not good.

I stopped using music during my runs, but now wonder if that would be an effective tool for controlling my pace. Another option my husband came up with is to run on a treadmill. He says that since it gets dialed in, my pace would for sure be controlled. I don't really like the treadmill, but it may be a solution. I asked if I could get one set up outside :)

So, I am resting today. It works though, because my oldest boy has a concert tonight. I will sit in the Auditorium and not be sweaty. He will be happy about that. My athletic appearance sometimes makes him uncomfortable. He is 14 after all.

OH!!! I almost forgot to mention! Both of my boys are interested in running! We went for a walk last night ans Zachary kept taking off. When we were almost home, I'd say 3 blocks out, he actually did take of at a sprint. I was worried about him crossing the block at home, since it is just about the start of the highway. Cars speed there all the time. Anyway, he loved it! He was feeling the bubbly that I get, I could tell. A runner recognizes that high! He thought it was great, and had no idea he could move that fast. We do need to work on his form a little as he hunches over a bit. He even sounded interested in the possibility of signing up for track next year. (If they still do that in this high school)

Ian wanted to run too, but I wouldn't let him go until we crossed the busy street. He only got to run a half a block, but he liked it too! He wants to run more. I am going to encourage this!

I had both boys stretch out after we all met up at the house. Zachary complained of feeling "something" in his upper legs. I figured it would be best to teach him how to stretch. We went through a good 5 minutes of them. It looks like I will be buying shoes for them soon :) It will be wonderful to get out from time to time with my boys. I'm sure that for a while they will be slow. I need that!

Now, if only my parks would open up early!

~Happy Running!